Geofroy [Geoffroy, Geofrey, Geoffrey] Tory

Shoestring binding. 31 pp. 8 3/8 x 5 1/2. Original wrappers. A brief ephemeral piece sent by Comstock to friends for Christmas 1929, which describes the life and works of Geofroy Tory (I have also seen the first name spelled Geofrey). Famous for the advances he introduced in typography, Tory was also an author, designer, printer and binder. This volume includes important information on monograms and other devices Tory employed; Tory's inspiration from, and influence upon, various works of literature; a facsimile of the title page of Champ Fleury, which included Tory's ubiquitous Pot Casse; and reference to specific works Tory designed, such as his book of hours. "Geofroy Tory, c.1480-1533, Parisian printer, typographer, and author, b. Bourges. After study in Italy, he won distinction as a professor in Paris and became editor to the printer Henri Estienne. He took up drawing and engraving and returned to Italy to study (1516-18). He worked as a bookbinder, Grolier being one of his clients. As designer and engraver he produced beautiful initials, borders, and illustrations, as well as his famous printer's mark (a broken jar) and that of Robert Estienne (an olive tree). His Book of Hours, which first appeared in 1525, introduced type design free from dependence on handwriting and established book designing as an art in France. His part in establishing French 16th-century printing of superb quality was recognized by his appointment as printer to the king (Francis I). Tory's writings include Champfleury (1529), wherein he explains and illustrates the theory governing his designs of roman capitals. Tory advocated the use of the French language; he introduced accents, the apostrophe, and the cedilla into the printing of French." -- Infoplease